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Monday, February 25, 2013

Okay, so my daughter dances competitively. She had her first competition this past weekend, and as we were getting ready for it, we talked about how to act. You know, no going diva, and saying thank you to people who come to watch her, etc.

One of the things we talked about was winning. Her dance teachers are super-great at telling the kids to have fun and do their best. They tell them they want to win, but that it's okay if they don't.

I thought that applied to writing as well. Their competition formula can be applied to anything, actually.

1. Have fun
2. Do your best
3. Try to win

Sometimes the fun of writing is swallowed in the business of writing. But today, I'm going back to number one. And that's having fun.

For me, the best part of writing is drafting. I love the exhilaration of fresh words on the blank page, of a story untold. I recently wrote the skeleton of a book in 6 days, and it was awesome. So while I'm not drafting right now, and I don't plan to in the super-near future, I'm going to remember that writing is fun whenever I start to get overwhelmed or frustrated with this industry.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Okay, so inspiration can strike anywhere, right? I often find myself getting random scenes in my head that I need to add to a draft of my book. Sometimes I'm at work. Or the post office. Driving. Or in the shower.

In the past, I used to carry a notebook in my purse (and I do have one in there now), but I don't use it for notes about my book. I've found myself turning more and more to technology to jot down my ideas.

On my phone, I have an app called ColorNote. It's basically like a Post-It note on my phone. I can type pretty fast with my two thumbs, and I don't have to search for a freaking pen that works!

On my tablet, I have an app called Evernote. This is an amazing tool, because I can sync it to my computer. So I can check my notes at work, home, or on the go from any computer.

If I can get to a computer, I do. I can type super-fast, and I can't even tell you how many emails I've sent myself this week! Like, probably 15, all related to plot points, or scenes, or characterization ideas I need to add to my draft.

So while I still carry a notebook in my purse, it's not my go-to tool for recording my inspiration.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Okay, so I love this book. It's called CITY OF A THOUSAND DOLLS and it's by Miriam Forster. You have to get it!

About CITY OF A THOUSAND DOLLS:Nisha was abandoned at the gates of the City of a Thousand Dolls when she was just a little girl. Now sixteen, she lives on the grounds of the isolated estate, where orphan girls apprentice as musicians, healers, courtesans, and, if the rumors are true, assassins. She makes her way as Matron's errand girl, her closest companions the mysterious cats that trail her shadow. Only when she begins a forbidden flirtation with the city's handsome young courier does she let herself imagine a life outside the walls. Until one by one, girls around her start to die.Before she becomes the next victim, Nisha decides to uncover the secrets that surround the girls' deaths. But by getting involved, Nisha jeopardizes not only her own future in the City of a Thousand Dolls—but also her life.

It's so good, you guys! It's different than anything you've read before, and it's beautiful. I can't remember what my blurb on the back (that's right! HarperTeen asked me to read it for an endorsement, and I couldn't say yes fast enough!) says, but it's probably something like, "This is an amazing book, and everyone who likes fabulous storytelling (and kissing) should read it."

But probably not that. Something more professional. Ha!

Because I love this book so much, I'm giving it to one of you luckies! I'm giving an eCopy, so either for your Nook or Kindle. All you have to do is follow me or follow Miriam -- or both -- on twitter. If you want to tweet at us that you entered and are excited about CITY OF THOUSAND DOLLS, do it!

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What People Are Saying About POSSESSION

"Possession held me completely captivated from beginning to end. And what an end! I fell in love with the characters and had countless moments of 'Wow.'"--James Dashner, bestselling author of The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials

“Most [readers] will be drawn in by the love triangle, revelations about Vi and her family, and a dark twist ending that maintains the faintest glimmer of hope.” --Publisher's Weekly

"Who Should Read This: Anyone who wants a challenge: This plot is so twisty, I had to read the last chapter twice before I could believe what happened. There's also a very nice balance between badass action and romantic tension for readers who like a good mix of the two." --MTV.com

“Emotion pumps through every scene of this thriller. Given all the urgency and action, the novel’s ending may surprise readers as the heroic adventure turns into a tragic love story.” –School Library Journal

“If George Orwell's novel 1984 were to have a little stepsister, Johnson's POSSESSION would be her.... It would also be perfect for those who relish a hearty romance mixed in with science fiction....As readers follow the relationship triangle, they will gasp with anticipation wondering which boy she will ultimately choose.” --VOYA